Safety ski binding



Feb. 6, 1968 J. A. TONOZZI ETAL SAFETY SKI BINDING 2 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed July 11. 1966 /M// 70/?5 JosEPHA 70/v0zz/ 46; ENJ'HANHOL 72mAime/VH5 United States Patent i 3,367,672 SAFETY SKI BINDING Joseph A.Tonozzi, 153 Taylor Ave., Fort Snelling, St. Paul, Minn. 55111, andJasper Glen Shanholtzer, 9270 W. 22nd Lane, Minneapolis, Minn. 55426Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 490,541, Sept. 27, 1965.This application July 11, 1966, Ser. No. 565,357

8 Claims. (Cl. 280-1135) ABSTRACT OF Til-IE DISCLOSURE A safety bindingadapted to be afiixed to a ski to permit secure binding of a ski boot tothe ski where the binding comprises a boot engaging member afiixed tothe ski for shiftable movement thereon and which has a release positionand a secure position relative to the boot, further characterized by anelectrically actuated release mechanism mounted on the ski andcooperating with the boot engaging member to shift the boot engagingmember from a secure to a release position. The foregoing mechanism. isin close combination related to a circuit means connected to theelectrically actuated release mechanism and a switch member mounted uponthe ski and actuated either by predetermined tilting of the ski ontransverse and/or longitudinal axis or by application of predeterminedpressure of the ski boot in the binding to cause release of the bootengaging member from the secure position.

This application is a continuation-impart of our copending applicationentitled, Improved Safety Ski Binding, S.N. 490,541 and filed Sept. 27,1965, and now abandoned.

This application relates to a safety ski binding and more particularlyrelates to a safety binding which has an electrically actuated releaseresponsive to a predetermined pressure on the binding or a predeterminedposition of the binding.

Safety bindings, presently available, release the skiers foot from thebinding when a preset pressure has been reached. This pressure on thebinding typically comes about when the skier falls. However, sutficientpressure to release the binding may be placed on the binding duringturning maneuvers of a skier. To provide against this happenstance, manyskiers preset the release pressure on the ski bindings to a pressurewell past any pressure which may be exerted on the binding duringtypical skiing maneuvers. In many instances, the skier, while attemptingto secure the binding, presets the pressure so high that release doesnot occur when the skier falls. In other Words, the safety factor of thesafety binding is overridden by the skier who wishes to avoid releaseduring strenuous ski maneuvers.

The mechanical safety bindings presently in use by skiers throughout theworld are made up of exposed spring loaded linkages, ball and socketjoints and other well known mechanical release structures. Oftentimes,changes in temperature, humidity or other atmospheric conditions resultin expansion or contraction of the mechanical elements which provide therelease. Skiers typically set the pressure at which they wish bindingsto release early in the season and give the setting no furtherattention. As the season progresses and as temperature, humidity andatmospheric conditions change, theskier does not readjust the pressuresetting. Consequently, a fall in midwinter may not cause the binding torelease while a fall in the late Fall or early Spring may cause thebinding to release.

Further, the exposed mechanical linkages and spring 'ice loadedmechanisms often become clogged with snow, preventing effective releasewhen a situation demands release of the binding.

With these comments in mind it is to the elimination of these and otherdisadvantages to which the safety ski.

binding of this invention is directed along with the inclusion thereinof other novel and desirable features.

An object of our invention is to provide a new and improved safety skibinding of simple and inexpensive construction and operation.

Another object of our invention is to provide a ski. binding which doesnot rely upon complex mechanical apparatus to release, but which willrelease when the binding assumes a predetermined position of rotationabout the longitudinal axis of the skier or about the transverse axis ofthe ski, yet maintains positive connection with the ski boot until suchpredetermined position is reached and is not affected by temperature,humidity or other atmospheric changes.

Still another object of our invention is to provide a ski binding whichdoes not rely upon complex mechanical apparatus to release but whichwill release when the binding is placed under a predetermined pressure,yet maintains positive connection to the ski boot until suchpredetermined pressure is reached and is not affected by temperature,humidity or other atmospheric changes.

A further object of our invention is the provision of a safety skibinding which will release at a predetermined pressure of the boot onthe ski binding and will also release in response to a predeterminedposition of the ski.

These and other objects and advantages of our invention will more fullyappear from the following description made in connection with theaccompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to thesame or similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view showing our safety binding mounted on aski and securing a boot within the binding.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing the detail of the assembly of oursafety binding.

FIG. 3 is a section view of a portion of the boot securing mechanism,the section taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a section view of the mercury switch which actuates thesolenoid, the section taken along the line 44 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view showing a modified form of the assembly ofour invention.

FIG. 6 is a modified mercury switch which operates the solenoid in themodified assembly.

FIG. 7 is a section view showing the contact wire arrangement of themodified mercury switch, the section FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram ofthe electrical circuit of the alternate form of our binding.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit which utilizesboth position and pressure sensitive switches. FIG. 1 shows a boot 10secured in the safety binding indicated in general, by numeral11.-Safety binding 11 is affixed to ski 12. A toe plate 13 and a heelplate 14 typically formed from steel plate stock, are secured on boot10. Toe plate 13 includes a recess 15 which cooperates with,

in general, safety binding 11 to releasably secure boot to ski 12. Heelplate 14 includes a ball shaped protuberance 16 which seats in socket 17in heel mount bracket 18 which is secured to ski 12, by screws 19. Inthe secure position, safety binding 11 engages toe plate 13 at toerecess and ball 16 is seated in socket 17, thus preventing movement ofboot 10 relative to the ski. A manual binding securing button 20 isshown in FIG. 1 on safety binding 11. Also shown is circuit actuatingswitch 21.

The toe plate 13 of boot 10 is secured to ski 12 by the action of bootengaging member 22 which is spring loaded, the spring indicated bynumeral 23 in FIG. 2. The boot engaging member is typically a steel rodhaving a conical point. FIG. 2 shows boot engaging member 22 in releaseposition, and spring 23 in relaxed position. A collar 24 is aifixed tomember 22 securing spring 23 at a predetermined setting along member 22.Boot engaging member 22 projects through mounting wall 25 and co-actswith recess 15 in toe plate 13 when the spring is in tension. Recess 15typically has a mating conical recess to facilitate retraction of therod from the recess even without the aid of spring 23 but simply underpressure of boot movement. Member 22 extends through support 26 and isslidable therein, to hingedly connect the floating toggle link 27. Link27 is hingedly connected at one end thereof to rod 22, and at the otherend thereof is hingedly connected to mating toggle 28. Toggle 28 in turnis pivotally mounted to fixed post 29, which is secured to ski 12 by nut36. The hinged connection of toggle 27 to mating toggle 28 will not passthrough dead center since a stop 31, having a predetermined setting,prevents this. The toggle links may be formed from a rigid material suchas steel or aluminum.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ski binding is in release pos tion. In therelease position, boot engaging rod 22 does not extend past wall 25, andtoggles 27 and 28 are at oblique angles with each other. As toggles 27and 28 approach a straight line relation, rod 22 projects outwardly fromwall 25 and engages recess 15 and toe plate 13. The mechanism forretaining toggles 27 and 28 in an approximate straight line relation isshoWn in FIG. 2, indicated in general by numeral 32.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the mechanism 32 for retaining toggles 27 and28 in an approximate straight line relation is shown in detail. Apartial cross-section of the binding cover 33 is shown having a bindingsecuring rod 34 extending therethrough. Binding scouring rod 34 showsthe manual binding securing button 20 above cover 33 at one end of rod34, and, at the other end of rod 34, a transverse circular plate 35affixed thereto. Plate 35 mates with pressure plate 36 which, in thesecure position, retains the substantially straight line relation of thetoggle links and said boot engaging member.

Plunger 37 extends downwardly from pressure plate 36 into bore 38 inblock 39. Plunger 37 includes a locking groove 40 adapted to receive acooperating locking ball 41 actuated by an elongate rod 42 disposed inbore 43 in block 39, bores 38 and 43 being in substantially rightangular relation. In secure position, pressure plate 36 retains toggle27 in substantially straight line relation with boot engaging member 22,and ball 41 seats in locking groove 40 in plunger 37. Solenoid operatedlever arm 44 remains actuated in the secure position and retains leverarm 44 in contact with elongate rod 42, thereby securing ball 41 ingroove 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, lever arm 44 is pivoted about upright pivot point 45for movement against elongate rod 42 or away from rod 42. A solenoid 46is energized by batteries 47 connected in series to solenoid 46. Thesolenoid 46 is energized in the secure position and retains solenoidplunger 48 in solenoid 46. Solenoid plunger 48 is pivotally connected tolever arm 44 which pivots about pivot 45. In the release position,solenoid 46 is no longer energized, thereby releasing solenoid plunger48 and allowing lever arm 44 to pivot about point 45 which releases ball41 from groove 40.

A mercury switch, indicated in general by numeral 49, is interposed inseries with solenoid 46.

Mercury switch 49, referring to FIG. 4, is actuated when the ski andattached boot rotate about a longitudinal or transverse axis to apredetermined setting of the switch which setting corresponds to aposition of the boot relative to the ground. Switch 49 is mounted on ski12 and includes a mercury pool 50 placed in a conical cavity 51. Themercury 50 is acted upon by gravity and consequently maintains ahorizontal attitude. A pair of contacts 52 are disposed in an uprightposition, through pool 50, and into cavity 51. As the ski 12 assumes aposition past the preset position, mercury 50 no longer contacts bothelements 52, thereby breaking the circuit and deenergizing solenoid 46.The sensitivity of mercury switch 49 may be adjusted by manipulatingknob 53 which raises or lowers washer 54. As washer 54 is lowereddownwardly into conical cavity 51, the distance, indicated in general byletter (x), decreases and therefore mercury 50 is released to its normalhorizontal state at a slower rate. As dimension (x) increases, ofcourse, mercury 50 regains its horizontal level more quickly. Washer 54is circular and constructed of a dielectric material. Contacts 52 retaininternally threaded washer 54 from rotating, and it moves upwardly ordownwardly along screw 55 which is actuated by knob 53. A plastichousing 56 surrounds cavity 51 and encloses elements 52. Leads 57,extending from elements 52, connect switch 49 in series with thesolenoid 46 and energizing means 47.

A modified form of our invention energizes the solenoid when a modifiedmercury switch reaches a predetermined position. In this embodiment,circuit energizing means are conserved in that contact is only made atthe time of a skiers fall rather than energizing the solenoid until theskier falls. FIG. 5 illustrates the mechanical changes necessary toarrive at the alternate embodiment of our invention. Solenoid operatedlever arm 58 pivots about upright pivot 59, contacting elongate rod 60which actuates a ball into locking groove 61 on plunger 62. Fig 5 showsthe mechanism in release position, however, when pressure plate 63 isdepressed against toggle 64, boot engaging member 65 is placed in secureposition. Spring 66 pushing against lever arm 58 which pivots aboutpivot 59 contacting elongate rod 60 maintains pressure on locking groove61 maintaining boot engaging element 65 in the secure position. Sincespring 66 is applying pressure on lever arm 58, the circuit energizingmeans 67 is not being used. When the skier falls the ski must rotateabout a longitudinal or transverse axis, actuating mercury switch 68which is interposed in series with energizing means 67 and solenoid 69.Mercury switch 68 operates to energize solenoid 69 and draws plunger 70into the transverse bore within solenoid 69. This places spring 66 incompression and pivots solenoid operated arm 58 about pivot 59,releasing the pressure exerted against elongate rod 60 and subsequentlyagainst locking groove 61. This releases boot engaging member 65 andfrees the skier.

The detail of switch 68 is shown in FIG. 6, and includes a circularplastic housing 70 which has a conical cavity 71 therein. Mercury 72 isplaced in this cavity. A dielectric washer 73 is afiixed to an uprightthreaded member 74 which is threaded into internally threaded aperture75 and attached to knob 76. Knob 76 controls the height of Washer 73 anddetermines the dimension (y) between the wall of cavity 71 and the edgeof washer 73. As the dimension (y) increases, mercury 72 more freelyflows into the upper portion of cavity 71 and contacts wires 77. Asshown in FIG. 7, contacts 77 are concentric and operate to dispose themercury switch 68 in series with energizing means 67 and solenoid 69. Assufiicient mercury flows from pool 72, contact is made with concentricrings 77, thereby closing the circuit and actuating the solenoid 69.

The electrical circuitry of our invention is shown in FIG. 8 andincludes a circuit 78 having circuit energizing means 79 and a solenoid80 disposed in series. Circuit actuating switch 81 is included in thecircuit as well as mercury switch 82. In the first mentioned embodimentof our invention, mercury switch 82 is normally closed. In the modifiedembodiment of our invention, mercury switch 82 is normally open. Switch81, of course, must be in the closed position to make the safety bindingoperative. This switch 81 is actuated by the skier in assembling thebinding to the boot.

Referring to FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment of our improved safety skibinding is shown, and is indicated, in general, by numeral 83. Thisembodiment of the safety ski binding is pressure sensitive and releasesat a preset pressure of the boot against the binding. The boot movesrelative to the ground to affect release thereof. The pressure sensitiveassembly may be used singly or in conjunction with the positionsensitive embodiment. A portion of the boot is shown in position onbinding 83 and is indicated at 84. The ski 85 receives binding 83 and issecured thereto by conventional mounting means. The linkage apparatuswhich is actuated by the pressure sensitive mechanism is similar to thelinkage apparatus shown in FIG. 2. The ski binding is shown in therelease position in FIG. 9. A boot engaging rod 86 is surrounded byspring 87 which is in the relaxed position. A collar (not shown) issecured to the rod 86 maintaining spring 87 in position on rod 86between the upright supporting block 88, through which rod 86 isslidably mounted, and the block 91. The collar causes the spring to bein compression when the rod engages the boot. Upright support 88 isaflixed to a plate 89 which is pivotally mounted to the ski 85 at pivot90, for rotation in a plane parallel with the ski. Further, pivot point90 acts as a fulcrum for movement of plate 89 in a plane generallynormal to ski 85 when upward pressure is exerted on by the boot on therod 86. Plate 89 is typically constructed of a tempered steel strap ofsuitable thickness allowing bending of the member. Block 91 is securedto plate 89 and includes a bore 92 therein adapted to slidably receiverod 86. A recess 93 is provided at bore 92 to receive a portion ofspring 87 when under compression. A positioning and receiving member 94receives block 91 therein positioning it in predetermined positionrelative to ski 85. Limit switch 95 is aflixed to receiving andpositioning member 94. Switch 95 is a commercially available limitswitch and is connected to solenoid 96 through conventional electriccircuitry, shown in part at 96b in the same manner that the gravitysensitive switch 49 is connected to the solenoid 46 in FIG. 2. Solenoid96 is energized by batteries 97 which are connected to the limit switchand solenoid circuit through conventional electric circuitry. Camfollower 98 is mounted on receiving and positioning member 94 and isadapted to follow cam 99 which is mounted on block 91. Follower 98activates limit switch 95 in response to movement of cam 99. Therefore,block 91 is operably connected with limit switch 95 whereby movement ofblock 91 de-energizes solenoid 96 releasing rod 86 from the ski boot.The release mechanism which is operated by the solenoid 96 is the sameas the release mechanism described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 2and FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 10, limit switch 95 is shown on re ceiving andpositioning member 94. Cam 98 is shown mounted on member 94 at block 100which is secured to member 94 with bolt 101 and which receives bolts 102securing follower 98 in such a way that it may follow cam 99. Cam 99 isessentially a ball imbedded in block 91 and protruding therefrom. Anaperture 103 is included in follower 98 and is adapted to mate with ballor cam 99. As shown in the dotted lines, movement of block 91 causes camor ball 99 to move within aperture 103 causing follower 98 to moveupwardly thereby engaging limit switch button 104 and forcing the buttonupwardly activating limit switch 95. In the normally closed circuit,described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 2, the solenoid 96 isde-energized thereby releasing boot 84 from the binding. Block 91 isshiftably movable longitudinally, transversely, or in combinations ofthese movements in response to pressure on the binding exerted by boot84. Block 91 is mounted on plate 89 which is pivotally mounted on theski at pivot thereby allowing movement of the block in the transversedirection pivoting at pivot 90 or upwardly with pivot 90' acting as thefulcrum point. In this embodiment, downward movement of block 91 is notpermitted although pivot point 90 may be elevated to provide downwardmovement and subsequent release of the boot if necessary. Recess 93receives the spring which encircles rod 86. Positioning elements 105 areshown positioning block 91 in a predetemined position within member 94.

Referring to FIG. 11, a cross-section of the receiving and positioningmember 94 shows the spring loaded positioning elements 105 positioningblock 91 in member 94 for transverse and longitudinal movement therein.Rod 86 which engages ski boot 84, is shown slidably mounted within block91 and the pivot plate 89 is shown. Springs 106 are disposed in member94 in cylindrically shaped apertures 187 which are internally threadedto receive set screws 108. Set screws 108 may be adjusted to compress orde-compress springs 106 thereby increasing or decreasing the amount offorce which the boot 84 must exert to pivot or raise block 91. Member 94is typically constructed from an impact resistant plastic with apertures107 turned therein to provide the internally threaded walls. Positioningpins 105 may be constructed from rigid plastic or an alloy steel. Block91 is constructed from metal or plastic. Springs 106 are commerciallyavailable and may be obtained in various turns per unit length toachieve optimum operating characteristics.

Referring to FIG. 12, the schematic diagram of the electric circuitry ofthe alternate embodiment of our invention is shown. A normally closedarrangement is shown which provides an energized solenoid duringoperation with the limit switch breaking the circuit and de-energizingthe solenoid thereby releasing the boot. Of course, the solenoid may bein a normally open position similar to the linkage shown in FIG. 5, withthe solenoid plunger held in position by a spring, releasing the boot inresponse to completion of the circuit. A power source is indicated at109and is connected in series to a solenoid 110. The pressure sensitivesolenoid actuating assembly described in FIGS. 10* and 11 is indicatedat 111 and is shown as normally closed. An on-off switch is indicated at112 and is indicated as open in which position the binding is at restand is not securing a boot within the binding.

FIG. 13 is the circuit diagram which shows the gravity sensitive switchand the pressure sensitive switch in combination. A power source isindicated at 113 connected in series to solenoid 114. On-off switch 115is indicated as open, since the binding is shown at rest and notengaging a boot. Position sensitive switch 116 is shown in the normallyclosed position in which the solenoid is energized until a position ofthe ski causes switch 116 to open thereby de-energizing solenoid 114.The pressure sensitive switch 116 is connected in series in the circuitand is shown as normally closed. In the normally closed arrangement, apredetermined pressure of the boot in the pressure switch causes switch117 to open the circuit thereby deenergizing solenoid 114 and releasingthe boot. Of course, the switches may be normally open with the bootrelease apparatus modified as described in FIG. 5 hereinabove.

It will therefore be seen that we have provided an improved safety skibinding which releases in response to a position of the ski, whichreleases in response to a pres sure of the boot on the binding, or whichreleases in response to a combination of position and pressure. In each7 instance the boot moves relative to the ground to affect releasethereof. Further, we have provided a ski binding which positively joinsthe binding and the boot until the precise predetermined condition ismet at which time release is instantaneous. A normally closed circuit,in which batteries supply energy to the solenoid when the binding is inuse releases in response to a break in the circuit. A normally opencircuit may also be used which releases in response to completion of thecircuit. The mechanical linkage which joins the solenoid to the bootengaging rod is varied in the normally open circuit. The variation isshown in FIG. 5. In the normally open circuit, energy is drawn from thebatteries only at such time as the pressure of the boot or position ofthe ski calls for release of the boot from the binding.

The positive engagement of our binding affords the skier maximum controlof the skis at all times, even during intricate turning maneuvers.Further, adjustment may be made in both the position sensitive andpressure sensitive switches to provide optimum operating characteristicsfor skiers from the beginning to expert classes. It will also be seenthat we have provided a binding which is not appreciably affected bychanges in temperatures, humidity or other atmospheric conditions andwhich substantially maintains the preset operating characteristicsthroughout the skiing season without the need for further adjustment.This is particularly important in providing a safe ski binding in thatthe typical skier does not bother to adjust his bindings throughout theseason and often-times receives injuries which would otherwise beavoided if the bindings were properly adjusted.

It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made inform, details, arrangement and proportions of the various parts withoutdeparting from the scope of my invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A safety binding adapted to be aifixed to a ski to permit securebinding of a ski boot to a ski, said binding comprising a boot engagingmember adapted to be aflixed to a ski for shiftable movement thereon,said boot engaging member having a release position and a secureposition,

an electrically actuated release mechanism co-operable with said bootengaging member, said release mechanism adapted to shiftably move saidboot engaging member from the secure position to the release position,

circuit means connected to said electrically actuated release mechanism,

means energizing said circuit means and switch means predeterminedaffixed to and supported from said ski interposed in said circuit meansto actuate said release mechanism to shiftably move said boot engagingmember from the secure position to the release position in response topredetermined tilting of the ski on either transverse or longitudinalaxes with the attendant pressure effect of the ski boot on the binding.

2. The safety binding of claim 1 in which said electrically actuatedrelease mechanism comprises a solenoid mechanically linked to said bootengaging member for shiftably moving said boot engaging member from thesecure position to the release position.

3. The safety binding of claim 1 wherein said switch means actuates saidrelease mechanism to shiftably move said boot engaging member from thesecure position to the release position in response to predeterminedtilting of said ski on transverse and longitudinal axes.

4. The safety binding of claim 1 wherein said switch meanspredeterminably mounted and supported on said ski comprises a gravityresponsive switch, said gravity responsive switch comprising a housinghaving a conical cavity therein, the conical cavity containing mercury,contact elements disposed in the mercury connecting said switch in saidcircuit, means whereby the mercury maintains a substantially horizontallevel as the switch rotates about a longitudinal or transverse axisthereby causing the mercury to assume a position to actuate said releasemechanism to shiftably move said boot engaging member from the secureposition to the release position.

5. A safety binding adapted to be affixed to a ski to permit securebinding of a ski boot to a ski, said binding comprising a boot engagingmember adapted to be afiixed to a ski for shiftable movement thereon,said boot engaging member having a release positition and a secureposition,

an electrically actuated release mechanism cooperable with said bootengaging member, said release mechanism adapted to shiftably move saidboot engaging member from the secure position to the release position,

circuit means connected to said electrically actuated release mechanism,

means energizing said circuit means and switch means interposed in saidcircuit means to ac tuate said release mechanism to shiftably move saidboot engaging member from the secure position to the release position inresponse to movement of the ski boot relative to the ground,

wherein said switch means interposed in said circuit means actuates saidrelease mechanism to shiftably move the boot engaging member from thesecure position to the release position in response to a predeterminedpressure of the ski boot in said binding.

6. The safety binding of claim 5 wherein said switch means comprises ahousing,

a positioning block mounted in said housing for shiftable movementtherein, said positioning block operably connected to said boot engagingmember and responsive to the shiftable movement thereof,

bias means positioning said positioning block in a predeterminedposition relative to the ski boot and a limit switch opera-bly connectedto said positioning block whereby movement of the ski boot relative tosaid positioning block actuates said limit switch to control saidrelease mechanism shiftably moving said boot engaging member from thesecure position to the release position.

7. The safety binding of claim 5 wherein said bias means comprises aplurality of adjustable springs secured in said housing and projectinginto contact with said positioning block urging said positioning blockin line with said shiftably mounted boot engaging member.

8. The safety binding of claim 5 wherein said electrically actuatedrelease mechanism comprises a solenoid operated assembly for controllingsaid boot engaging member, said assembly including,

a toggle mechanism interposed between said boot engaging member and asolenoid,

a toggle mechanism pressure plate adapted to actuate the togglemechanism from release position to secure position,

a plunger receiving block adapted to be afiixed to the ski,

a plunger attached to the pressure plate and having a locking groove inthe periphery thereof, said plunger slidably mounted in said block aball co-opera'ble with the plunger locking groove and a ball actuatingelement disposed slidably in the block whereby, in secure position theball and ball actuating element hold the toggle mechanism pressure platein contact with the toggle assembly,

a solenoid control mechanism responsive to said switch means, saidcontrol mechanism co-operable with the ball and ball actuating plungerto permit control of said boot engaging member, said control mechanismincluding 9 10 a solenoid, References Cited a lever arm pivotallymounted on the ski, the lever UNITED STATES PATENTS arm having a bindingsecure position cooperable with the ball actuating plunger to retain theball in the 2698757 1/1955 Berlenbach 280-1135 plunger locking grooveand a binding release posi- 3,246,907 4/1966 Chlsholm tion in spacedrelation to the ball actuating plunger, 312511607 5/1966 Wren 28o11-35said lever operably connected to said solenoid whereby said solenoidactuates said lever arm, con- BENJAMIN HERSH Pnmary Exammer' trollingsaid boot engaging member in response to MILTON L. SMITH, Examiner.movement of the ski boot relative to the ground. 10

